Kevin Smith

KEVIN SMITH

Watching a Kevin Smith film is like jumping into a puddle of pop culture. This is because he has packed his movies with real to life factors, such as love and relationships, jobs, friends, and there is always some form of reference to movies themselves (meaning the video store in Clerks, the movie being made in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back). "Smith clearly has his hand on the pulse of his generation ("X" marks the spot). His observations about comic books, video games, and other aspects of life in the '90s are as insightful as they often are scathing. But this is nothing new - it was evident in both Clerks and Mallrats. What's different here is that Smith has crafted a touching nuanced romance which may be the most memorable screen love affair since Before Sunrise." (Chasing Amy, James Berardinelli) Meaning, Kevin Smith has kept his eye open since making Clerks and has added new touches of pop culture that catch the eye of the moviegoers. This could be because of his "hand on the pulse of his generation". He incorporates his main passions: Comics and movies together to form a finished product.

When looking at his films, Chasing Amy for example, there is a touch of romance as Holden McNeil longs for Alyssa Jones, in Clerks with the ongoing conflict-driven relationship between Dante and Veronica. "...What's different here is that Smith has crafted a touching nuanced romance..." Smith bases his movies more on the idea of drug use, course language, video games and movies. The basis of a relationship is touched upon in some Smith films, but in Chasing Amy it becomes the main idea of the movie. It is focused on a guy, Holden who would like to get to know and be with a certain girl, Alyssa. But there is a huge obstacle in the way; Alyssa is a lesbian. Therefore she doesn't want to hurt Holden but she knows there is no way a relationship between the two of them could ever work out. In comparison to Mallrats, where Brodie and T.S. are dumped by their girlfriends, and in turn decide to "seek refuge" at the mall. As it turns out, their ex's are there, which causes a calamity of chaos to break out. The up roar in the mall is the main focus but the failing relationships are the side additions to the movie. Smith does hint at movie themes at times, instead of blatantly throwing them out there.

Another example of a not quite hidden theme would be drug use. This is a complicated part of pop culture, with more users than there really should be. With "stoners" running the show, Smith has succeeded in showing the least amount of drug use, with the most amount of drug-related humour. At the beginning of Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Jay is outside the convenience store from Clerks, "free-styling" about dealing drugs. The way Smith wrote it, the humour takes away from the subject matter, allowing it to glide past the viewer without a second thought. Although, someone totally against drugs probably shouldn't bother with a Smith film, as they may be offended. It has been said though "it makes sense that "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" would be pure slapstick comedy. Think about it, do you really want a foul-mouthed, over-sexed stoner telling you how to live your life?" (Jason) Smith's movies are to be taken lightly, even when dealing with a more serious topic, such as religion.

When Smith deals with the topic of religion in Dogma, it is in a completely non-offensive way, even for the less religious. "I felt sure that the movie was written by someone who really loves his church -- but is smart and aware enough to recognize its shortcomings, its blind spots, even its failures and hypocrisies." (Gravelee21) this film shows that even though Smith is actively involved in his religion, he isn't consumed by it. Many mixed reviews did accompany the release of this film though. Some felt it was out there for Smith and others commended him on his daring choice for this film. Being a "not so religious person" I felt that this film aided in my "tolerance" and allowed me to kick back for the hour and a half and somewhat enjoy this piece of work. With Jay and Silent Bob playing prophets, it creates an odd image of those two being more than just stoners. Smith handled this subject delicately and allowed it to show that he is more talented and a multi-faceted writer to be able to create a movie such as Dogma.

Kevin Smith's free use of course language makes for another theme. These ill